Main Image: M&S

PRShots Roundup brings you the latest retail news from Very, JD Sports, Ocado, Card Factory, Urban Outfitters, Brunello Cucinelli, Lululemon, Anthropologie, Cotswold Company and Klayd. Plus, how Marks & Spencer won sales over Christmas, 30 AI marketing tools to drive growth in 2025 and more.  

THE LATEST RETAIL INDUSTRY NEWS

Very Group sees increase in golden quarter sales

Very Group results for the seven weeks to Dec 27 show a 2.3% growth in year-on-year UK retail sales and expects its adjusted EBITDA growth to be 16%-18% for the full year.

JD Sports has seen revenue increase despite a ‘challenging and volatile market’

JD Sports like-for-like revenue in the nine weeks to Jan 4 grew 1.5% and now expects its profit before tax and adjusting items to be £915-935m, down slightly on its previous guidance.

Ocado Retail posts record Christmas sales

Ocado Retail saw retail revenue rise 17.5% to £715.8m in the quarter to 1 Dec up from the 15.5% growth in its previous quarter, as active customer numbers grew 12.1% to 1.12m.

Card Factory hails ‘successful’ Christmas

Card Factory revenues grew 4.7% in November and December with total sales for the 11 months to 31 Dec reaching £506.6m, up from £476.9m in 2023.

Landsec reports strong golden quarter

Landsec Christmas quarter saw over £800m spent in Landsec destinations (Liverpool One, Trinity Leeds etc), with overall spending up 3.8% year-on-year, and footfall up 1.9%.

Urban Outfitters Christmas sales up 10%

Urban Outfitters net sales for the Black Friday Christmas period were up 10% and sales for the eleven months up to Christmas were up 7%.

Brunello Cucinelli sales up by 12.2%

Brunello Cucinelli’s Q4 results were up 11.6% to €358m boosted by last minute sales in the last few weeks of December, with FY24 revenues up 12.2% to €1,278.4m.

Lululemon raises Q4 outlook

Following good Q4 Christmas sales, Lululemon now expects its net revenue for the year to be in the range of $3.56-3.58bn a growth of 11-12%.

TRENDS, SUSTAINABILITY, STRATEGY AND TECHNOLOGY

30 AI marketing tools to drive growth in 2025

Looking for some robot assistance? Hootsuite picks the top 30 AI marketing tools that can make social media management (and marketing in general) so much easier.

The retail media trends for 2025 from leaders at Ocado, Nectar360, Uber and more

As retail media continues to grow, Econsultancy asks some industry figures about the challenges ahead for retailers, brand marketers and execs.

How being ‘positively dissatisfied’ kept M&S in fashion this Christmas

Why is M&S so upbeat when so many other retailers are bracing for job cuts and store closures – and what does this mean for how they will perform in the year ahead?

The best retailers for customer satisfaction according to new survey

The January edition of Retail Weeks UK Customer Satisfaction Index showcases which organisations consumers enjoy interacting with the most.

12 winning social media integration strategies for 2025

Social media integration gives your audience more ways to engage and interact with your brand. Hootsuite shows you the tips and tools to do it right.

Strategies to captivate your audience

Hootsuite shows you how to captivate your audience through storytelling with data by turning numbers into compelling narratives to boost engagement and trust.

PEOPLE, MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Ted Baker owner Authentic Brands Group appoints new President

Authentic Brands Group, the owner Reebok, Juicy Couture and Ted Baker, has appointed Matt Maddox as President.

Radley appoints its first-ever Design Director

Radley London, is switching gears and heading straight for the luxury sector after appointing its first-ever Design Director, Fernando Soriano Iglesias.

BRAND NEWS

Anthropologie launches new Celandine label

Anthropologie has launched a new resort wear label called Celandine as it looks to offer holiday-ready styles all year round.

The Cotswold Company opens its 11th UK showroom in Marlow

The Cotswold Company, the digitally-led premium handcrafted furniture and homeware brand, has announced the opening of its 11th UK showroom in Marlow.

The Perfume Shop brings digital innovation in-store with new app launch

The Perfume Shop has launched the first phase of its “market-leading” Store+ app designed to transform the in-store shopping experience by integrating physical and digital elements.

Klayd launches loungewear

Online direct-to-consumer women's basics and shapewear brand Klayd has launched a new collection of cotton-blend loungewear ahead of expanding into wholesale.

M&S rolls out lower emission vehicles in net zero push

M&S has bolstered its supply chain logistics fleet with 85 lower-emission vehicles, advancing its Plan A commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.

Amazon makes ‘largest ever’ UK order of electric trucks to cut carbon emissions

Amazon is to deploy nearly 150 electric heavy goods vehicles as well as piling packages on to trains and post-style trolleys in an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of delivering goods in the UK.

AND FINALLY x2

Starbucks says people using its coffee shops must buy something

Starbucks has said that people using its coffee shops in North America need to buy something, u-turning on a policy which allowed anyone to use its toilets even if they had not made a purchase.

The silent war the perfume industry won't tell you about

Delve into the world of the perfume industry and you'll quickly realise how little you know about how our favourite fragrances are made and what's in them.

PRSHOTS TOP 10 SEARCHES

What were our users searching for on PRShots Week ending January 10^th 2025?

1/ SS25

2/ Valentine

3/ Leopard

4/ Cushion

5/ Kitchen

6/ Bag

7/ Cardigan

8/ Home

9/ Rug  

10/ Mirror

HELP WITH YOUR IMAGE SEARCHES

The latest images on PRShots are found here https://www.prshots.com/whatsnew why not bookmark the page for a regular feed of the latest images on PRShots!! You can select the latest images from the last 24 hours, week, or month.

BRANDS WITH NEW IMAGES

Clothing, beauty and accessories

Very has a new Michelle Keegan collaboration, new athleisure wear and V by very ranges of clothes, partywear and footwear, including metallics, sequins and faux fur.

Primark has a new Youth range, new bags, lingerie and nightwear for Valentines, new SS25 dresses and skirts, Performance 2025 ranges of athleisure clothes, shoes and bags, plus kids ranges.

Roman Originals has new SS25 Petite imagery, more AW24 imagery for Petite, Curve and Dusk ranges of womenswear for day wear and for big events.

Regatta has new jackets and fleeces for the outdoors and ranges of trainers, walking boots, wellies and sandals, plus kids swimming costumes and wetsuits.

Bonmarché has new SS25 outdoor clothing ranges and swimsuits, Valentines outfits, new Dash SS25 clothing ranges, jumpers and partywear and lingerie ranges.

Peacocks has a new Caprice SS25 lingerie range just in time for Valentine’s Day, plus Michael Owen and Louise Redknapp SS25 Edit, new SS25 clothing, jumpers and fashion.

TK Maxx has new Valentine’s themed clothing and jewellery, plus new clothing, shoes, boots, jewellery, makeup and accessories for SS25.

F&F has a new Kate Ferdinand F&F Active collaboration of athleisure wear for January, new SS25 ranges of women's clothing and accessories.

Monsoon has new Jan-Feb campaigns and bridal wear plus SS25 womenswear ranges including holiday and beachwear, plus new wedding outfit shoes and dresses.

George at Asda has new Gym Locker activewear ranges, plus lingerie and nightwear ranges for Valentine’s Day.

Tu Clothing has new womenswear ranges of clothes, shoes and accessories.

Sims Wear has new menswear ranges for SS25.

Frangipani has new menswear and jewellery.

Saywood has new womenswear, accessories and soft furnishings.

Dune London Mens has new shoes and trainers for early 2025.

Matalan has new NFL clothing ranges, Valentine pyjamas, athleisure wear, a new transitional style edit, a menswear collaboration with Taylor & Wright, transitional ranges and a menopause lingerie range.

Dune London has new shoes, bags and accessories for early 2025.

Fatface has new SS25 jewellery, accessories and clothes for men and women.

Fable England has new SS25 Running Bunny and Wonderland ranges of bags and scarves, plus new accessories and core jewellery ranges.

River Island has new Butter Yellow themed ranges, a new Jo Horner collaboration, “New Year New Look” ranges, Pantone Mocha Mousse looks for spring.

Barbour has new ranges of clothing, boots and accessories for SS25 for men and women.

Joe Browns has new SS25 clothing for men and women plus shoes, boots, jewellery and accessories including purses, bags and shopping baskets.

Celtic &Co has new clothing, sandals, shoes, scarves, and accessories for SS25.

M&S has a new Goodmove collection of outdoor sports and athleisure wear modelled by Olympian Alex Scott.

Curvy Kate has new Swerve, Suspend, Suspense, Serpent, Opulence, Indulgence, Eos, Entwined, Zen, Victory, Wild One, Strawberry Crush, Ornate and more ranges of lingerie. Plus new ranges of swimwear for SS25.

Scamp & Dude has new leopard print dresses for AW24.

John Lewis has new Anyday and And/Or SS25 clothing, shoes and accessories for women and men, a Dream Dress Edit featuring Whistles, Sister Jane, Reiss, Phase Eight and more clothing ranges for women.

New Look has more new winter outfits, winter and occasion wear outfits for women, plus ranges of womenswear including coats, jumpers, skirts and tops.

Lipsy has new womenswear images for the new season.

Oliver Bonas has new February, March and April 2025 uploads of jewellery, women’s clothing, bags, shoes and accessories as well as new ranges for SS25.

Lola Starr has new sustainable activewear for the January and February bounce back.

See additional new clothing and accessories images from

Sainsbury’s Beauty National Trust Cotton Traders

Home, garden and food

Cutter & Squidge has new hampers and food and drink for the Lunar New Year and for Valentine’s Day.

George Home has new Lucky Charm range and Dark Garden SS25 interiors ranges, Stacey Solomon collaborations on cookware, bedding, dining, and homeware.

Home Bargains has new things for the garden, new home exercise accessories, Mediterranean and Travellers Bazaar ranges, homeware from SS25 for the bedroom, bathroom and living rooms plus candles, diffusers, glasses and soft furnishings.

TK Maxx has new gifts for Valentine’s Day, homeware, and a new 1960s-inspired summer range of kitchenware and furniture for the office, plus new gifting ranges, a wellness range for the New Year.

Primark has new gifts, soft furnishings, furniture and homeware for SS25.

Dobbies Garden Centres has new houseplant appreciation day images, Valentine’s presents, outdoor furniture, barbecues, accessories, kids' swimming pools and pots for SS25, Mother’s Day 2025 gifts.

Matalan has new Easter decorations and home ranges, Valentine’s gifts, SS25 homeware images for the dining room, bedroom, bathroom and garden, new Connie the Cockapoo range.

Treats by Mars has new Snickers and Galaxy ranges. 

B&M has new Rustic Charm homeware ranges for SS25, including cushions, mirrors, vases and incense burners.

Ivyline has new plant pots, fountains and storage for the garden.

Hobbycraft has Easter decoration and food ideas. 

Cult Furniture has new ranges for SS25.

Online Home Shop has new storage solutions, side tables and chest of drawers, rugs, bedding, foot warmers, hot water bottles, heated pads, body wraps, plus bar stools, mirrors, cuddle cushions, shaped pillows and bolsters.

Homesense has a new Outdoor Taste of the Med and Summer in the Souk ranges of furniture, homeware and kitchenware, plus indoors furniture and homeware for SS25.

National Trust has new garden furniture ranges for SS25,  gifts for the home and the garden for SS25, plus decorations for Easter.

Quorn Stone has new Alnwick Ivory and Provenca Crema marble and tiles for the kitchen, natural stone and tumbled herringbone cobbles outdoor ranges, marble ranges for the bathroom and kitchen and Limestone cobbles for outside.

Habitat has new SS25 homeware and furniture, plus new furniture for setting up your own home office. 

Dunelm has new colour drench ranges, a new Sophie Robinson collaboration and its SS25 range of bedroom and living room furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware.

M&S has new furniture, soft furnishings and kitchenware for SS25, a National Gallery collaboration, and new Fearne Cotton Happy Place range.

Oliver Bonas has new furniture and home accessories including mirrors, lighting and tableware for the New Year and SS25.

Sofology has new SS25 Serene, Premiere and Westwood ranges of sofas, chairs and recliners.

Fritz Fryer has new antique lighting ranges, kitchen lighting ranges, as well as lamps and lights for every room in the home.

See additional new home images from

John Lewis Designers Guild Jan Constantine Fatface Primark

DIARY

PRShots Retail Calendar Alerts

Days until Valentine’s Day – 31

Days until Mother’s Day - 75

Days until Easter - 96
 

How to get your brand in the media in January

January is all about fitness and health and getting back on track after a Christmas and New Year holiday break. So, clothes-wise it’s all about clothing for the gym and exercise, so make sure if you have anything relevant that it’s flagged up with keywords like fit, exercise and gym. 

The monthlies are also starting to prepare for Valentine’s Day next month, so get any relevant clothes, accessories and gifts uploaded and keyword them with valentine. They’re also looking forward to next season so make sure anything SS25 is flagged on your drops.

Plus, as we’re still mid-winter there will still be searches for anything cosy, so pyjamas, slippers, coats, hygge, winter warmers, knitwear, scarves and everything warm. 

January is also Veganuary (in 2024 over 1.8m people worldwide signed up for it! ) and it’s also Dry January so it’s a good idea to make sure you have vegan-friendly products and non-alcoholic products labelled on your media centre, plus anything that’s healthy that fits in with resetting your life. 

If you sell gin and anything gin-related then it’s also Ginuary!  It’s also Walk Your Dog Month, so anything dog-related would be good.

If you’re a PRShots brand user and you need more ideas, then take a look at the keywords that media are searching for on PRShots and try and add those in.

If you’re looking for more hooks to help promote your brand and products, then see the list of days, weeks and fortnights below.

January Diary - Weeks/Months

The London Textile Fair (14th Jan – 15th Jan)

Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (20th Jan – 26th Jan)

The Furniture Show NEC Birmingham (19th Jan – 22nd Jan)

Diary - Days

14th - Orthodox New Year

17th - Ditch Your Resolution Day #DitchYourResolutionDay

20th - Have a Brew and Chat Monday/Blue Monday

20th – Health Food Searches Peak

20th – Martin Luther King Day (US)

21st – National Hugging Day (US)

25th – Burns Night

25th - Dydd Santes Dwynwen (St Dwynwen's Day)

26th – Australia Day

26th – Indian Republic Day

27th – Chocolate Cake Day (US)

27th – Holocaust Memorial Day (US)

28th – Data Privacy Day

29th – Lunar New Year / Chinese New Year (The year of the Snake)

29th – Valentine’s Day searches rise

31st – Tax return payments are due today

NB - All dates have been checked, but some events may change due to unforeseen circumstances or have not been fully confirmed for 2025 by the authorities controlling the event(s).